Breach of Gaza ceasefire strongly condemned by UN chief

Palestinians search through the rubble of their home destroyed by Israeli strikes in Khuza’a, southern Gaza Strip.UN Photo/Shareef Sarhan

The breach of the temporary humanitarian ceasefire that was due to expire on Tuesday in Gaza has been strongly condemned by the UN Secretary-General.

A statement was issued by his spokesperson amidst reports of Hamas rocket attacks at Israel and Israel's airstrikes against Gaza.

Israelis and Palestinians have been negotiating in the Egyptian capital, Cairo for a permanent ceasefire to end their current conflict which started in July.

Stéphane Dujarric is the UN Spokesperson in New York.

"The Secretary-General condemned in the strongest terms the breach of the Egyptian brokered humanitarian ceasefire which was to expire at midnight local time. He is gravely disappointed by the return to hostilities."

Mr Ban Ki-moon called on Israelis and Palestinians "to reach an immediate understanding on a durable ceasefire which also addresses the underlying issues afflicting Gaza."

Gaza has been under an Israeli blockade, restricting the movement of people and goods in and out of the territory, since 2007.